The Clinton Township Police Department has developed a new online registry that details the special physical and emotional needs of residents.
The registry gives police officers alerts about any impairment, disorder, diagnosis, coexistence, behavioral triggers, de-escalation techniques, medical information, or other important information.
Residents can voluntarily fill out and submit forms to provide information about themselves or family members who may need special assistance in their encounters with officers, according to police officials.
“We best respond to emergencies with as much information as possible,” Clinton County Sheriff Dina Carnegie said in a statement. “The registry enhances our ability to assist with vital knowledge regarding a registrant’s disability.”
The information requested includes the registrant’s name and address, date of birth, physical description, nature of disability, and current photo. Once the record is submitted, it is sent to COMTECH, Macomb County’s Emergency Communications and Technology Center.
Caringi said the information provided is confidential and will only be accessed and shared with first responders during an emergency or when first responders have reason to do so.
Supervisor Bob Cannon described the log as “a valuable tool that will save time, energy and even lives”.
“I am proud of how the Police Department cares about the community and finds ways to connect while understanding the importance of private records like this,” Guardian Trustee Tami Patton said in a statement.
People of any age with any medical condition or disability, including autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, bipolar disorder, and Down syndrome, can use the registry.
Carnegie said the recording is one example of a new service that has teamed up with its employees to better serve the public. During her first year as chief, she found that the police department could do more by using the city’s website.
“We wanted to think outside the box and provide more services and resources to the technology-based audience,” she said.
Along with the new record, residents can find online forms to request law enforcement to monitor their homes while on vacation and report abandoned vehicles.
Registration is available at clintontownship.com/281/Police.